Magwizi’s Vision for Zimbabwean Football: Decentralising Stadiums and Building High-Performance Centres
The installation and standardisation of seats at Zimbabwe’s National Sports Stadium in Harare is currently being managed by NC and Banat, a company owned by Nqobile Magwizi, who is also a candidate in the upcoming ZIFA presidential elections. Magwizi was present at the handover ceremony on 29 November 2024, marking a significant step in the transformation of Zimbabwe’s football infrastructure.
Magwizi, one of the six candidates vying for the ZIFA presidency, has articulated a vision for the decentralisation of international matches. His campaign is focused on ensuring that every province in Zimbabwe has a CAF-approved stadium. This initiative aims to distribute international football matches across the country’s ten provinces rather than confining them to Harare, a situation that has dominated recent years due to the lack of suitable venues.
During his address to the media, Magwizi emphasised the importance of building sufficient and proper infrastructure. He stated, “We need sufficient and correct infrastructure. Every province should have a stadium that is CAF-approved,” pointing out that Zimbabwe has had to play its international matches abroad due to the absence of these facilities. As ZIFA president, Magwizi is determined to change this by bringing the right infrastructure to Zimbabwe’s regions, ensuring that all provinces have access to quality sports venues.
In addition to the stadiums, Magwizi is advocating for high-performance centres in each region. These centres, he believes, will not only enhance the competitiveness of local football but also generate significant commercial value. His plan includes hosting regional competitions to bring in revenue and further develop the sport across the country.
Magwizi’s long-term vision for Zimbabwean football is rooted in infrastructure development. He commented, “Zimbabwe has been offered an amazing opportunity to transform its football, to restart the football systems.” He sees the upcoming ZIFA elections as a pivotal moment to implement a sustainable model for football governance that is business-oriented.
The ZIFA elections are scheduled for 25 January 2025 in Harare, and Magwizi is considered one of the frontrunners. With a clear focus on decentralisation, infrastructure, and commercialisation, he aims to usher in a new era for Zimbabwean football. His push for CAF-approved stadiums and high-performance centres could mark a turning point in the development of the sport in the country, providing opportunities for young talents and rejuvenating the national football scene.
